The Top 10 Things I learned in Practicum

PRCA 4711 Final

Amy GemmelNovember 30, 2009

1. How to write a Resume & Cover letter

• No more than one page, no weird fonts

• Use Action Verbs in previous job descriptions

• Be Specific! Give person good picture of you as a person.

• Do NOT exaggerate

•Education trumps Experience, at least for fresh out of college

2. Perfecting Job Interview Skills

• Only bring essentials into interview room

• Bring a list of questions about the company

• DO NOT ask about salary

• Dress appropriately

3. Creating the Perfect Portfolio

• Tailor portfolio to the job requirements

• Use tabs for easy flip through

• Assemble a variety of pieces that show creativity and writing abilities

4. Staying Up-to-Date with PR Events

• Important to be aware of the “online chatter” about your brand

• Subscribe to RSS feeds for public relations blogs

• Read public relations trade books

5. Making First Impressions• Be on-time (Which is early

by most standards)

• Have a firm handshake

• Avoid bad breath

• Don’t fidget

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions

6. Tips from the Experts Nuggets of Wisdom from Ty

Mays • Look for an internship with a

PR agency

• Seek out ways to enhance your professional development regularly

• Shadow professionals as often as possible

8. After the Interview

• Be sure to write down the names of all interviewers

• Send an email Thank You immediately

• Follow-up with a hard copy, hand written Thank You ASAP

9. Networking online Twitter:• “Follow” as many PR

professionals as possible• Look for opportunities

to broadcast PR current events

PROpenMic:• Internship opportunities • Peer-to-peer advice,

even from PR faculty

10. PR Trade Books • Richard Laermer – PR

genius and author of several PR books

• What is PR? This book can tell you all about it!

• The guidebook for all things PR and marketing your “brand”